Golaghat: Habitual offender Naren Dutta arrested in joint operation as State intensifies crackdown under CM Dr Himanta BIswa Sarma’s leadership
In a startling revelation of how deep-rooted drug networks can be, the Narcotics Department has apprehended an 80-year-old man for smuggling drugs in a sophisticated, specially modified vehicle.
The arrest of Naren Dutta, a resident of Golaghat‘s Numaligarh, underscores the relentless nature of the Assam Government’s war on drugs, which has seen zero tolerance for traffickers regardless of age or profile since Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma took office in 2021.
The Operation: A High-Stakes Interception
Acting on precise intelligence, the Narcotics Department first intercepted a Force Motors vehicle (registration WB52X-2363) at Jhanji in the Sivasagar district late last night. Driven by the octogenarian himself, the vehicle had traveled all the way from Manipur.
Upon a detailed search conducted at Tetelital in the Golaghat district, officials discovered that the car had been structurally modified. A secret chamber had been carved out beneath the seats by cutting into the vehicle’s body to hide the contraband.
The seizure included 25 soap boxes packed with suspected heroin with an estimated market value of Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh. The consignment was reportedly destined for delivery in Forkating.
A Defiant Repeat Offender
Naren Dutta is no stranger to law enforcement. A notorious figure in the local drug trade, he was recently arrested by Golaghat Police for similar charges and sent to judicial custody. However, shortly after being released from jail, he resumed his illegal operations, highlighting the challenge police face with habitual offenders. He is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Department for further interrogation to trace the wider network.
Assam’s Uncompromising Stance
This arrest is part of a massive statewide crackdown launched by the Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government following its transition to power in May 2021.
The administration has empowered the Assam Police and the Narcotics Department to take stringent action to break the backbone of the “Chicken’s Neck” drug corridor.
Under “Mission Assam Against Drugs,” the State has witnessed:
Record Seizures: Narcotics worth thousands of crores have been destroyed publicly to send a stern message.
Zero-Tolerance Policy: Strict enforcement of the NDPS Act, ensuring even veteran traffickers like Dutta are not spared.
Inter-State Vigilance: Increased monitoring of vehicles entering from neighboring States like Manipur and Mizoram.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma has repeatedly emphasized that the war against drugs is a battle to save the future of Assam’s youth, promising that no one involved in this “poison trade” will escape the long arm of the law.
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